Sunday, December 29, 2013

As many of you hardcore foodies know, there’s a southern
tradition of eating beans and greens on New Year’s Day to help bring good fortune in
the coming year.

By eating “poor” the first day of the year, you supposedly
ensure prosperity and good luck the rest of the year. I think I speak for all
superstitious, Italian-Americas when I say, that totally makes sense.

Whether you believe in such things or not, you should still
try this year’s edible good luck charm, Utica Greens. This delicious Upstate New
York vegetable casserole comes in many forms, but usually contains some
combination of bitter greens, usually escarole, pancetta or prosciutto, hot
fresh or pickled peppers, and bread crumbs.

I’m adding some cranberry beans, so you all get rich in
2014, but that’s totally fine since the locals often add chunks of potatoes,
and once you start doing things like that, all bets are off. Whether side dish
or main course, this is a perfect winter vegetable magnet, and I hope you give
it a try soon. Enjoy, Happy New Year, and most of all, good fortune!

Ingredients for 6 side dish servings:

2 heads escarole

2 tbsp olive oil

4 ounces pancetta or prosciutto, diced (You can drain some of the rendered fat if it looks like it's going to be too much. You want about 2 tablespoons total rendered fat pancetta in the casserole)

As alway, I enjoy your blog. Having lived on Utica for almost 30 years I will give you our take. We also put onions on occasion. We always use fresh bread crumbs giving the greens little clumps of flavor bursts. They are usually made with cherry peppers but you can do sweet bell peppers to. There is a second version made with potatoes and salami as well. Any way you make them they are delicious.

Though its a bit late for this year, I leave this word of warning for those making this dish "for luck": Do NOT alter the recipe! I substituted Swiss Chard for the Escarole, Bacon for the pancetta, and skipped the peppers when I made this last night. Tasted wonderful, but then woke up this morning only to discover our van was stolen!

I cannot believe I found this! I'm so excited. Have travelled to Utica several dozen times and I love their Greens! Don't know anyone that makes them like this. The recipe has always been a mystery to me! I can't wait to try this. Thank you for sharing.